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(11) | EP 1 045 383 A3 |
(12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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(54) | Transfer unit for expansion of tape library systems |
(57) A relatively simple and easily installed transfer unit is disclosed employing a movable
cartridge bin assembly which travels horizontally between two or more cabinets of
respective tape cartridge library systems, to enable the expansion of individual library
systems thereby increasing overall mass storage system capacity. The bin assembly
is presented to a typical cartridge handling robot of respective library systems as
if it were part of the stationary bin array housed within the cabinet, which allows
the cartridge to be accessed and loaded in a constant orientation. A drive means provides
the translation of the bin assembly and cartridge, and depots at preset stop locations
include sensor means for indicating the location of the bin assembly and the presence
of a cartridge in the bin assembly. |